Summer is the peak season for Wild King Salmon, and it’s not just hype. According to the Alaska Department of Fish and Game, troll-caught King salmon harvested during this season delivers the highest fat content and freshest quality of the year. That buttery richness makes it a perfect canvas for bold, clean flavors like fresh dill and lemon.
This lemon dill salmon recipe celebrates the best of summer cooking: light, citrusy, and no-fuss. It’s designed for versatility, elegant enough for a weekend dinner party but simple enough to pull off on a busy weeknight. You don’t need a grill, fancy tools, or hours of prep. Just high-quality wild-caught King salmon, a handful of fresh ingredients, and a 400°F oven.
Pairing lemon and dill with wild salmon isn’t just classic, it’s strategic. The citrus cuts through the richness of the fish, while dill adds a herbaceous lift that keeps every bite bright and balanced. Whether you're trying to eat cleaner, cook smarter, or just enjoy what’s in season, this oven-baked salmon fillet is your summer go-to.
Let’s break down why Wild King Salmon is the undisputed king of seasonal seafood, and why it matters for the flavor and success of this recipe.
Why Wild King Salmon Is the Star of Summer Seafood
Wild King Salmon isn’t just a seasonal favorite — it’s the gold standard of premium seafood. And when it’s troll-caught, the quality reaches an entirely different level. This hook-and-line method ensures that each fish is individually handled, minimizing stress and preserving its natural flavor and texture. The result? Fillets that are thick, meaty, and incredibly rich in healthy fats.
That high fat content is exactly what makes Wild King Salmon ideal for oven baking. It keeps the flesh moist and tender, even at high heat, so there’s no need to worry about dryness. The buttery mouthfeel holds up beautifully against bold flavors like citrus, garlic, and fresh herbs, making it a versatile base for a variety of summer salmon recipes.
Beyond the flavor, troll-caught Wild King Salmon is a smart sustainable choice. The method is low-impact on marine ecosystems and avoids bycatch, meaning your dinner supports responsible fishing practices. And when you order through All Fresh Seafood, you’re getting fish that’s top-of-the-catch, straight from Alaska and flash-frozen to lock in peak-season freshness.
If you’re searching for the best salmon for baking, this is it. Wild, responsibly sourced, and full of flavor that doesn’t need dressing up, but shines even more when paired with lemon and dill.
Ingredients You’ll Need (Serves 4)
This lemon dill salmon recipe comes together with minimal prep and a mix of pantry staples and seasonal herbs. Everything centers around fresh, high-quality Wild King Salmon, the rest just enhances what’s already there.
For the Salmon:
- 4 Wild King Salmon fillets (approx. 8 oz each)
- 2 lemons (1 for juice, 1 for thin slices)
- 4 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme leaves
- 1 tablespoon butter (optional – adds richness and gloss)
For the Lemon Dill Sauce:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, finely chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Fresh dill and lemon are essential, not just for flavor, but for balance. They brighten the dish, cut through the richness of the salmon, and tie everything together. And if you want a silky finish, don’t skip the optional butter, it melts right into the fillets as they bake, adding a luxurious touch without overpowering the fish.
Next, let’s walk through the simple steps to bring this summer seafood dinner to life.
How to Make This Oven-Baked Salmon Fillet
This recipe keeps things simple, all you need is one pan, a hot oven, and a few fresh ingredients. Here’s how to make oven-baked salmon fillet with lemon and dill that comes out tender and full of flavor every time.
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat your oven
Set it to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Make the marinade
In a small bowl, combine:
- Juice of 1 lemon
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 4 tablespoons chopped dill
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon dried thyme
- Salt and pepper to taste
Whisk everything together until evenly mixed.
3. Prep the salmon
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Spoon the marinade over the top of each piece, making sure to coat them well. Let them rest for 15–20 minutes at room temperature so the flavors can absorb.
4. Add lemon and butter
Top each fillet with a thin slice of lemon. For a richer finish, place a small pat of butter on each piece, it’ll melt into the fish while baking.
5. Bake the salmon
Transfer to the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes. Check for doneness by inserting a fork into the thickest part, the fish should flake easily and still be juicy in the center. Avoid overcooking; Wild King Salmon stays tender when it's just barely opaque.
6. Make the lemon dill sauce
While the salmon bakes, mix the sauce ingredients in a small bowl:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons chopped dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and pepper to taste
Refrigerate until ready to serve. The sauce adds a bright, creamy finish to the dish.
7. Plate and garnish
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2–3 minutes. Serve with a spoonful of lemon dill sauce and a sprinkle of fresh dill for a clean, restaurant-style presentation.
Serving Suggestions to Make It a Meal
Wild salmon with lemon and dill pairs beautifully with light, summary sides that let its richness shine without weighing down the plate. Here are some ideas to round out your meal:
Vegetables:
- Steamed asparagus or green beans with olive oil and sea salt
- Roasted broccolini with a splash of lemon
- Grilled zucchini or squash ribbons
Starches:
- Herbed couscous or wild rice
- Roasted baby potatoes with cracked pepper
- Quinoa salad with cucumbers and fresh herbs
Wine:
A crisp white wine brings it all together. Try:
- Sauvignon Blanc for citrusy brightness
- Pinot Gris for a slightly richer, fruity edge
These sides and pairings keep the focus on the fish while adding texture, freshness, and a touch of elegance.
Pro Tips for Perfectly Cooked Salmon
Getting salmon just right doesn’t take much, but a few small details make a big difference. Use these quick tips to make sure your wild King salmon recipes always come out juicy, flaky, and full of flavor.
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Cook skin-side down
Always bake salmon with the skin-side down. It acts as a natural barrier between the heat and the delicate flesh, helping prevent overcooking and sticking. -
Don’t overdo it on time
Wild King Salmon has a high fat content, which keeps it moist, but only if it’s not overcooked. Start checking at the 12-minute mark. The center should be slightly translucent and flake easily with a fork. -
Let it rest before serving
Just like steak, salmon benefits from a short rest. Let the fillets sit for 2–3 minutes after baking. This helps redistribute the juices, keeping every bite tender. -
Use fresh herbs after cooking
Bake with dried or chopped herbs, but save a sprinkle of fresh dill for the final garnish. It adds brightness and makes the dish feel fresh and balanced.
Following these steps ensures every easy weeknight salmon dinner hits the table perfectly cooked and full of clean, bold flavor.
Where to Get the Freshest Wild Salmon Online
To cook a meal like this, you need the best possible fish, and not all salmon is equal. All Fresh Seafood delivers premium-grade, troll-caught Wild King Salmon straight from Alaska, right to your kitchen.
Troll-caught means the fish are caught one at a time, using sustainable hook-and-line methods that preserve both the environment and the quality of the catch. It’s handled with care from ocean to delivery, so what you receive is always fresh, firm, and packed with the natural richness that makes Wild King Salmon so special.
Wild King Salmon is only in season for a limited time, and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Don’t miss the opportunity to cook with the most flavorful, highest-quality salmon available.
Shop Troll-Caught King Salmon now and bring restaurant-quality seafood to your summer table.
